Can You Unsend a Text on Android?

In the age of instant messaging, sending texts has become second nature to most of us. But we've all been there: you hit "send" too fast, only to realize a split second later that the message has typos, is awkward, or just plain embarrassing. This "oops moment" is quite common. So here's the burning question: Can you actually unsend a text on Android?

Can You Unsend a Text on Android?

Whether you can unsend depends on the type of message and the app you use.

Quick Answer:

• Standard SMS and MMS on Samsung, Xiaomi, and more can't be unsent.
• Google is working on a "Delete for Everyone" feature for RCS chats.
• Some brands like HUAWEI allow message recall within seconds.
• You can try Airplane Mode to stop the text from sending.
• Apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram have an unsend feature.

SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service)

SMS and MMS messages use cellular networks. Once sent, they cannot be unsent because the message is stored on the recipient's device upon delivery. Hence, you cannot unsend a text if you use the default Messages app on your Android device, such as Samsung Messages or Xiaomi Messages. If you delete a text message, it doesn't delete for the other person.

Unlike email and instant messaging apps, SMS and MMS do not have a centralized control system. Without this system, senders cannot unsend or delete delivered messages.

Carrier-level message recall for SMS or MMS is rare but possible. It is mostly limited to enterprise messaging or specific scenarios. Standard personal plans do not support recalling messages.

Google Messages and RCS (Rich Communication Services)

Google Messages is the default messaging app for the Pixel series and can be used on all Android devices. To allow users to delete text messages for both sides, Google is developing a "Delete for Everyone" feature for RCS-based chats. The feature is still in testing and not yet universally available. Users have to wait for an official rollout in the coming months.

The feature may require the latest RCS universal profile. In other words, both the sender and recipient must use RCS with a compatible version. There will be a time limit of about 15 minutes within which a message can be unsent.

Third-Party Messaging Apps

Some messaging apps allow you to unsend messages. WhatsApp, Messenger, Snapchat, Telegram, Viber, and Signal are examples of apps with an unsend feature.

Workaround for Recalling SMS on Android

If your default texts are SMS messages that cannot be unsent, try these hacks if you send a message by mistake.

1Enable Airplane Mode Immediately

Turn on Airplane Mode or turn off your device after sending a text to prevent delivery. This requires extremely quick reflexes. Messages are usually sent within seconds, which significantly reduces the success rate of this method. It may work if the text is still in the sending process.

You need to insert your SIM card into another phone if the method works. This will prevent the message from resending after disabling Airplane Mode.

2Cancel Before Sending

Some Android brands like Huawei offer 6 seconds to recall a message. You can double-tap the text to cancel sending. To check if this feature is available, look in your phone's Messages app for a similar option.

How to Unsend a Text in Third-Party Messaging Apps

Instead of using traditional messaging apps, consider instant messaging apps as alternatives. One major advantage is that they allow users to unsend messages, as shown in this section.

WhatsApp

The green app has a time limit of 2 days to delete messages for everyone. It also allows recalling media files that have not been downloaded yet. If you mistakenly delete the message for yourself alone, you will not be able to recall it again. Also, the recipient will be notified that “This message was deleted” when you recall the message.

Steps to Unsend WhatsApp Messages:

1. Open the chat with the message to delete.
2. Long press the message in the chat.
3. Click on the Delete icon.
4. Select "Delete for Everyone" from the popup options.

Messenger

You have up to 10 minutes to remove a message when using the Meta instant messaging app. It allows removing media files along with the message, but it notifies the recipient that “You unsent a message.”

Steps to Unsend Messenger Messages:

1. Open the chat with the message to delete.
2. Long press the message in the chat.
3. Click on More > Delete.
4. Select Delete for Everyone.

Snapchat

You can unsend a message on Snapchat within 10–12 minutes after sending it. The exact window depends on the recipient's device and network speed. Recipients will not be notified that you unsent the message. They will not see any indication that the message was removed.

Unsending works for both text and media (photos, videos). However, if the recipient has already viewed, saved, or taken a screenshot of the media, it cannot be recalled.

Steps to Unsend Snapchat Messages:

1. Open the chat with the message to delete.
2. Tap and hold the message you want to unsend.
3. A menu will appear. Tap Delete and then confirm.

If you use this feature for the first time, it will explain what Delete Chat means before letting you confirm.

Telegram

Telegram has no time limit for messages in personal chats. However, a recall can only happen within two days of sending a message to a group chat. After a recall, no notification will be sent to the recipient. It also has a complete recall that works on shared media.

Steps to Unsend Telegram Messages:

1. Open the chat with the message to delete.
2. Long press the message in the chat.
3. Click on the Delete icon.
4. Tick "Also delete for ***" and confirm Delete.

Viber

You have a 3-hour window to unsend a message on this app. This feature removes the media file along with the delivered text. However, it notifies the recipient with "Message was deleted."

Steps to Unsend Viber Messages:

1. Open the chat with the message to delete.
2. Long press the message in the chat.
3. Click on Delete for Everyone.

Signal

You can delete for everyone on your Signal account within 24 hours. You can also remove media during that period. Furthermore, the app will not notify the recipient of the deleted message.

Steps to Unsend Signal Messages:

1. Open the chat with the message to delete.
2. Long press the message in the chat.
3. Tap the Delete icon and then select Delete for Everyone.

Take Preventive and Corrective Actions

To avoid mistakes that require unsending messages, you can take these precautions.

Check Recipient and Content: When the text is still in draft, thoroughly check the message. Also, confirm the recipient to avoid sending sensitive texts to the wrong person. To provide more room for correction, you can schedule the message. Leave the draft for a while, then check it before sending.

Use Alternative Apps: Use apps with unsend features instead of traditional messaging apps. Sensitive or private chats that might require retraction should be done on apps with the necessary features. Consider apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Viber, LINE, or Messenger.

Clarify Mistakes: If you send a message by mistake, immediately call to explain or clarify the error. You can send a follow-up message or document that provides context. This additional information helps avoid misunderstandings.

Use Delayed Sending Apps: Apps like ChompSMS and Textra offer delayed sending for all Android devices. With the delay feature, you can cancel messages before they are sent.

Closing Thoughts

If you send an SMS or MMS message on Android, you cannot unsend it once delivered. Only third-party apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram allow you to unsend messages on Android devices. To use any of these apps to unsend messages, you should know their time limits.

However, you should put in place enough precautions to avoid mistakes that may require recalling a text. For instance, always take your time to review messages before sending them and carefully consider if you are sending them to the right person.